Distribution of Crunchyroll manga extends to France and Germany, handled by HarperCollins.
In a significant move to expand its manga programme globally, including English language markets, HarperCollins has announced the acquisition of Crunchyroll's manga publishing operations in France and Germany. The value of the deal, however, remains undisclosed.
The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in the second half of 2025. Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll, expressed his optimism, stating that the acquisition will enable the company to continue bringing the best 360 anime experience to fans in these markets.
With this acquisition, HarperCollins strengthens its expertise and capabilities in the fast-growing manga category. Crunchyroll, an independently operated joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan's Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment, operates one of the largest manga and graphic novel bookstores with over a dozen publishers.
HarperCollins welcomes and intends to invest in the French and German publishing teams and their business. This acquisition will allow HarperCollins to sell manga and graphic novels in France and Germany, a market that Crunchyroll's streaming service has significantly contributed to by reducing piracy when it first started almost a decade ago.
Interestingly, HarperCollins is the only major Western publisher operating in Japan. The acquisition is expected to enhance their relationships with Japanese manga publishers, a move that will further bolster HarperCollins' position in the global manga market.
It's important to note that Crunchyroll's digital business has not yet been relaunched following the acquisition. However, the acquisition presents an exciting opportunity for both companies to collaborate and grow in the world of manga publishing.
[1] Crunchyroll Acquisition by HarperCollins Announced [2] HarperCollins to Acquire Crunchyroll's Manga Operations [4] HarperCollins-Crunchyroll Deal: What It Means for Manga Fans
[1] With HarperCollins' planned investment in technology and the expertise of Crunchyroll's manga operations, a potential future development could be the incorporation of e-readers in their business model, offering fans an easy and convenient way to access their favorite manga content.
[2] In light of HarperCollins' acquisition of Crunchyroll's manga operations, discussions related to financial matters might arise, as this move represents a strategic change in the competitive landscape of the global manga and technology business.
